Global footprint

Deepak Dwivedi

The week-long five-nation visit Prime Minister Narendra embarked on July 2 is not only his longest in over a decade, it is also one of the most crucial ones in the current volatile geopolitical landscape.

The ongoing tour covers Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia and is focused on expanding India’s cooperation in critical minerals, energy, and digital infrastructure. PM Modi is also scheduled to attend the 17th Summit of BRICS, one of the most important alliances in the world today, bringing together major emerging economies from different continents.

Global challenges

Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has recently expanded to include countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. As the world faces new economic and political challenges, the BRICS summit becomes a crucial platform for leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shape global discussions on trade, security, and development. In addition, PM Modi’s visit also gives a strong push to India’s ties with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Key areas on the agenda include agriculture, defence cooperation, critical minerals, and a possible vaccine hub to serve West Africa. The nine-day tour provides PM Modi to establish partnerships to harness critical minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium and copper, especially in Argentina, Ghana and Namibia.

Robust supply chain

India is holding talks with companies to establish long-term stockpiles of rare earth magnets by offering fiscal incentives for domestic production. Building such a supply chain has become imperative for India to reduce its dependence on China, which sent shockwaves across global industries to curb exports of rare earth materials.

Apart from showcasing India’s deepening commitment to the Global South and its growing role in key multilateral forums such as BRICS, the African Union, Ecowas, and CARICOM, the visit includes high-level engagements and landmark addresses to parliaments. It needs to be acknowledged that far from exhibiting any sign of a slowdown, PM Modi’s third term has ushered in a period of remarkable political dynamism in the international arena. Modi Government 3.0 has not only maintained India’s global standing but has also actively asserted its strategic autonomy and amplified its diplomatic influence.

This newfound confidence is evident in India’s formal complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organization, challenging “arbitrary and discriminatory” tariffs on pharmaceutical and automotive exports – a rare and decisive action. This shift from a defensive to a more assertive stance demonstrates India’s readiness to engage proactively on the global stage.

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